The storm cycle is ongoing, with around 20–25 cm of new snow expected on March 23.
Keep in mind that the previous March 21-22 snowfall deposited a considerable amount of graupel across a range of elevations and aspects. This may act as a weak layer beneath the March 23 snow and could lead to storm slab release in the alpine and high alpine.
Wet loose avalanches are likely - especially when skies will clear on March 24 and afternoon air temperatures at resort level are expected to rise to around 4 °C.
Stay tuned as the forecast might get an update depending on the amount of fresh March 23rd snow and send us your observations!
Loose wet activity seen around Lomisa area, many size 1, some up to size 2
Multiple - A widespread avalanche cycle occurred during and after the previous storm, with storm slab, wind slab, and loose wet slides, size 1 - 2 seen in many areas. A couple were human-triggered, some were triggered by explosives, and some were natural.
Riders dropping into steep avalanche terrain outside the ski area boundary off the top of Kudebi triggered a wide windslab avalanche. Luckily nobody was harmed.
On March 22-23 significant amount of graupel was deposited across various elevations and aspects (at least 8-10 cm at 2000 m. with more higher up).
A few cm of new snow has previously arrived up high with rain in the sub-alpine. The 30 - 40 cm of new snow of March 15th and 16th was shifted by strong N and NW winds and caused a lot of avalanche activity. Deeper in the pack, hard old wind slabs and thin facet layers sit above a sugary base layer, found in isolated areas. The snow depth is often over 200 cm. In shallow areas, weaker snow can be seen in shady high elevation locations.
Thick cloud cover with a snowfall on March 23rd. Snowfall will be over by 6pm.
Clear on March 24th with some light high altitude clouds.
Air temps at 1C in the afternoon of March 23rd, -4C during the March 23-24 night. 4C on March 24th afternoon.
Freezing level at 1500 m. during the night and 2400 during day time.
Light to moderate S/SW winds.
Bad visibility on Tuesday due to the storm.
Glide cracks and glide avalanches are likely and can produce large avalanches - don't stop underneath cracks, or just avoid these areas completely!